New lead paint program draws mixed reactions

Local painting contractors are grappling with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovation Program, which this week the state received authority to enforce.The program mandates that anyone receiving compensation for renovating, repairing and painting work in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state.Jennifer Blaise, operations manager for Arch Painting Inc. in Peabody, has been trained and certified in lead-safe practices by the state along with other company employees.”We’re already in compliance,” she said. “I completed the training and received my certification before it went into effect. The fines for non-compliance are serious.”Julio Dos Santos, who owns JC Painting Company in Saugus, has also been certified.”I agree with everything they are requiring,” he said. “Most of it we were doing before we took the training anyway. When you have kids around you have to make sure they are safe.”Phil Brienza, who is the owner of P&B Realty Management in Lynn, said he has been in business for 14 years and he’s currently waiting for his license.”I took the course so I can de-lead,” he said. “It wasn’t tough and most of it was common sense, but they really make you jump through hoops to get your license. You have to go to the doctor and get a blood test to see if you have lead in your blood. You have to pass the blood test to get a license.”Another Lynn painting contractor, who asked not be identified because he has not complied with the regulations, said he believes the EPA is going overboard.”I think some of these regulations make sense, but I am a small businessman and some of what they are requiring poses a financial hardship,” he said. “I looked at one job that I had to turn down because it was so close to the street that an area large enough to meet the new requirements couldn’t be cordoned off. It’s a little nerve-wracking. It’s like the government is trying to force people to buy siding instead of painting.”The Commonwealth is the ninth state to receive authorization to administer and enforce the program.According to Gov. Deval Patrick, the EPA’s authorization allows the state greater local oversight and protects residents from hazards associated with lead paint.The EPA is allowing contractors until Oct. 1 to obtain the necessary training and certification to comply with the new requirements. The EPA also said individual renovation workers have until Sept. 30 to enroll in certification classes, which must be completed by Dec. 31.The lead-safe work practices include dust control, site clean-up and work area containment. The new program eliminates a provision in the existing regulations that allowed owner-occupants of homes built before 1978 to “opt-out” of having contractors follow lead-safe work practices if there were no children under six years old in the home.According to the EPA, common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can pose health risks.Curt Spalding, who is the regional administrator for EPA’s New England regional office, said the regulations are designed to protect children and adults alike.”Because we have so much older housing stock here in New England, protecting kids from exposure to lead-based paint is one of the most important things we can do,” he said. “Lead exposure is entirely preventable and can cause permanent, serious life-long problems.”Information on applying and finding training is available at www.mass.gov/dos or 617-969-7177. Additional information on the hazards of lead for consumers is available at www.epa.gov/lead or 800-424-5323.